I've only used these with tea lights.  I used to burn myself once a year (no joke... started my freshman year of college and lasted about 6 years) so I worry that using larger candles might be a recipe for disaster with metal candle holders.  Was worried the color might be to brash or brassy but no, it's a gorgeous, warm, dark metal that matches the Jaipur bedding perfectly.  The many holes allow for a speckling of candlelight across the walls and ceiling -- a really gorgeous addition to our bedroom.